The bill amends various sections of Florida Statutes to enhance the structure and responsibilities of the Department of Transportation (DOT) and the Florida Transportation Commission. It allows the Secretary of Transportation to appoint three assistant secretaries and an Executive Director of Transportation Technology, all exempt from career service and included in the Senior Management Service. The qualifications for members of the Florida Transportation Commission are revised to require expertise in higher education, transportation, or workforce development. Additionally, the bill establishes the Florida Transportation Research Institute to coordinate policies and award grants, expands grant eligibility under the Florida Seaport Transportation and Economic Development Program, and modifies definitions related to transportation.

Moreover, the bill introduces several provisions aimed at improving airport operations and transportation infrastructure, including new project categories for funding and the establishment of the Florida Transportation Academy to prioritize workforce development. It also mandates that private airports obtain a certificate from the DOT for aircraft operations and requires commercial service airports to maintain transparency regarding operational information. The legislation emphasizes support for small businesses in transportation projects, modifies the criteria for designating planned facilities, and streamlines the regulation of wireless communications facilities by local governments. Overall, the bill seeks to enhance the efficiency, safety, and sustainability of Florida's transportation and aviation systems while fostering economic development and innovation.

Statutes affected:
S 1662 Filed: 212.20, 311.07, 316.0741, 316.0745, 330.27, 331.371, 332.003, 332.005, 332.006, 334.045, 337.027, 337.11, 337.125, 337.135, 337.139, 337.18, 337.251, 337.406, 338.227, 339.2816, 339.287, 339.55, 341.051, 348.754, 349.03, 322.27, 365.172, 379.2293, 493.6101, 493.6403
S 1662 c1: 311.07, 316.0741, 316.0745, 330.27, 331.371, 332.003, 332.005, 334.044, 334.045, 337.027, 337.11, 337.125, 337.135, 337.139, 337.18, 337.251, 337.401, 337.406, 338.227, 339.287, 339.55, 341.051, 348.754, 349.03, 322.27, 365.172, 379.2293, 493.6101, 493.6403
S 1662 c2: 311.07, 316.003, 316.0741, 316.0745, 316.550, 330.27, 331.371, 332.003, 332.005, 332.006, 334.044, 334.045, 337.027, 337.11, 337.125, 337.135, 337.139, 337.18, 337.401, 338.227, 339.287, 341.051, 348.754, 349.03, 322.27, 365.172, 379.2293, 493.6101, 493.6403
S 1662 c3: 311.07, 316.003, 316.0741, 316.0745, 316.550, 320.0848, 330.27, 331.371, 332.003, 332.005, 332.006, 334.045, 337.027, 337.11, 337.125, 337.135, 337.139, 337.18, 337.251, 337.401, 337.406, 338.227, 339.135, 339.287, 339.63, 341.051, 348.754, 349.03, 322.27, 365.172, 379.2293, 493.6101, 493.6403
S 1662 e1: 311.07, 316.003, 316.0741, 316.0745, 316.550, 320.0848, 330.27, 331.371, 332.003, 332.005, 332.006, 334.045, 337.027, 337.11, 337.125, 337.135, 337.139, 337.18, 337.251, 337.401, 337.406, 338.227, 339.135, 339.287, 339.63, 341.051, 348.754, 349.03, 322.27, 365.172, 379.2293, 493.6101, 493.6403
S 1662 e2: 311.07, 316.003, 316.0741, 316.0745, 316.550, 320.0848, 330.27, 331.371, 332.003, 332.005, 332.006, 334.045, 337.027, 337.11, 337.125, 337.135, 337.139, 337.18, 337.251, 337.401, 337.406, 338.227, 339.135, 339.287, 339.63, 341.051, 348.754, 349.03, 322.27, 365.172, 379.2293, 493.6101, 493.6403
S 1662 er: 311.07, 316.003, 316.0741, 316.0745, 316.550, 320.0848, 330.27, 331.371, 332.003, 332.005, 332.006, 334.045, 337.027, 337.11, 337.125, 337.135, 337.139, 337.18, 337.251, 337.401, 337.406, 338.227, 339.135, 339.287, 339.63, 341.051, 348.754, 349.03, 322.27, 365.172, 379.2293, 493.6101, 493.6403